I can speak of some of these problems; because, I was one of the few who bothered to show up for the BOD meetings, which I had a 1 1/2 hour drive to get to. At two of the meetings one member decided that it was more important to stay and play games at The Soldiery than it was to attend meetings of the BOD, the very BOD that the person wanted to be on. This, however, is not the only case of non-caring on the board, but it reflects some of the problems that led to the cancellation of the convention which the BOD promised you. Believe me, I am not happy with the way the BOD planned for Rally; a late start practically garenteed that Rally was doomed to failure, The lack of attendance from a majority of the BOD at those meetings led to no support for the convention, personality conflicts between certain members of the board lead to the convention being canceled, and now there seems to be a lack of commitment in getting regular meetings scheduled. One BOD member, when asked when the BOD was going to have another meeting, stated that there was no reason to have a meeting at all! After having all the problems of Rally, lack of a newsletter, and basically no direction for Great Lakes, I can only ask how can we not have a meeting. One BOD member resigned last summer, and a replacement in any form, whether elected or appointed, has not been found. Planning for the '95 convention needs to be started now, so as to keep another convention from being canceled. The newsletter is being done without any approval from the BOD, and membership renewal is long overdue. If the BOD can not get off of their collective butts and do SOMETHING for the membership. then maybe it is time for the membership to throw the current BOD out of office and elect officers who will take care of Great Lakes and its membership.

To make a positive move, we MUST have your support. Please take the time and get involved. We need help in planning the convention, help in contributing to the newsletter, and help in telling the BOD to move on or move over. I know members that are willing to make the commitment to Great Lakes, and if certain current members of the BOD aren't willing to help. then step aside, there are those who do care.

Let me make one final comment. A couple of years ago a few guys from, Columbus got together and started an HMGS chapter. They are to be commended for their efforts, but I know we need more direction, who among you are willing to give it.